Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos Recipe

Category: Dinner Ideas

These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a tasty and fun meal! Filled with crunchy black beans and topped with fresh veggies, they’re sure to make your taste buds dance.

There’s something super satisfying about that crispy shell! I love loading mine up with all the toppings, like avocado and salsa. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds! 🌮

Making these tacos is a breeze. Just fry the shells, mix the beans, and pile on the goodies. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun snack with friends!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Black Beans: The star of the dish! You can use canned black beans for convenience. If you’re cooking from scratch, dried beans work too but require soaking and cooking first. Feel free to try other beans, like pinto or kidney beans, if you prefer!

Onion: I like using yellow onion for its sweetness, but red onion gives a nice crunch and color. If you’re looking for a milder taste, green onions or scallions can be a great substitute too.

Cheese: While I chose cheddar for its meltiness, Queso Fresco or Monterey Jack can add a delicious twist. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or simply skip it altogether for a lighter dish!

Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, just make sure to check the package. Flour tortillas can also work if that’s what you have on hand, although they won’t get quite as crispy.

How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Crispy Taco Shells?

Getting those tacos nice and crispy requires some care. Here’s how I do it:

  • Choose the right oil for frying, like vegetable oil, which handles high heat well.
  • Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying but not smoking! A good test is to drop a small piece of tortilla in; it should sizzle.
  • Don’t crowd the pan. Fry in batches so that each taco has room to crisp up nicely.
  • Keep an eye on the time; about 2-3 minutes per side is perfect for a golden brown finish.
  • Let them drain on paper towels for extra crispiness, soaking up any excess oil.

Enjoying these tacos with fresh toppings makes a world of difference! Squeeze that lime juice on right before you take a bite. It brightens everything up!

Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos Recipe

Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Filling:

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For Garnishing:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

Start by mashing the black beans in a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to create a chunky mixture. It’s nice to have some texture, so don’t mash them into a paste! Then, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

2. Assemble the Tacos:

Take one tortilla and sprinkle cheese over one half of it. Then, spoon a layer of the black bean mixture on top of the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas until all your filling is used up.

3. Fry the Tacos:

In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking—this means it’s hot enough! Carefully add the tacos in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

4. Drain and Serve:

Once fried, transfer the tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to help absorb any extra oil. This keeps them extra crispy! Finally, garnish your tacos with chopped fresh cilantro and serve them with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful black bean tacos fresh and warm! Each bite is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos Recipe

FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Can I Use Canned Black Beans?

Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient and save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before using to remove excess sodium and improve the flavor of your tacos!

What Can I Use Instead of Cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can skip the cheese altogether or use a plant-based cheese substitute. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor if you want to keep it healthy!

How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of oil if needed, until warmed through. They may not be as crispy after reheating, but they’ll still taste great!

Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?

Definitely! To add some heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the black bean mixture. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences, and enjoy a spicy kick!

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